Cyperus alternifolius - Umbrella Papyrus

The alternate-leaved Cyperus, also known as Papyrus or alternate-leaved Nutsedge, is a beautiful large perennial that thrives in moist soils and mild climates. With its unique silhouette composed of long stiff stems topped with bracts gathered in an umbrella shape it bears a resemblance to its cousin the Nile Papyrus, but it has a more modest growth, a stiffer appearance, and a greater ability to withstand often dry interior atmospheres. Growing this evergreen and frost-sensitive perennial in open ground is only possible in the mildest regions without any risk of severe frost.

The alternate-leaved Cyperus, also known as umbrella papyrus or umbrella grass, belongs to the family Cyperaceae. It is native to marshy areas of Madagascar and requires constantly moist soil. Today it is cultivated in all temperate regions for its ornamental qualities, particularly as a houseplant.

This exuberant semi-aquatic plant develops numerous leafless, stiff stems from its rhizomes, reaching a height of about 1m (3.3 ft) in our climates. It spreads laterally, in theory without any limit. Each stem bears a relatively narrow crown composed of straight and relatively thin radiating bracts, in a vibrant green color. In spring, a small inflorescence appears at the center of each crown composed of tiny pale yellow flowers that turn brown in summer when ripe. These flowers give rise to seeds that are dispersed by the wind. The Cyperus or Papyrus reproduces through the dissemination of its seeds and vegetatively through the lateral growth of its rhizomes. Unlike true Nile Papyrus, it can be easily propagated by immersing its heads in water.

The alternate-leaved Cyperus, a wonderful waterside plant in very mild climates, also makes a beautiful terrace or indoor plant, very easy to cultivate as long as the soil in which it is planted remains consistently moist. It will be marvelous around a raised pond on a terrace, in the company of e.g. Rhodocoma gigantea, another splendid Restio. These luxuriant perennials will charm enthusiasts of beautiful lush and exotic plants due to their bamboo-like silhouette or their monumental clusters of large feathery plumes. Imperial as a standalone plant, it is also a guranteed success combined in open ground or in a pot with purple or green-leaved cannas, bamboo, Nandina, Dierama, persicaria, or even Gomphostigma virgatum.

Properties: Cyperus are air-purifying plants for confined atmospheres.